Eating Badly Is a Leading Cause of Death Worldwide, New Study Shows

The Global Burden of Disease study, an annual assessment of health trends, provides worldwide and national estimates on more than 330 diseases, causes of death and injuries in 195 countries and territories.

A key measure of health is mortality - particularly at younger ages - and so avoiding early death from any cause is a key goal of health systems worldwide, noted the researchers. The number of deaths for kids under five years dropped below five million for the first time since the 1990s.

The report found that today, the average global life expectancy is 72.5 years (75.3 years for women and 69.8 years for men.) That's up from an average life expectancy of 65.1 years in 1990 and 58.4 years in 1970, the report said. Japan had the highest life expectancy in 2016 at 83.9 years, while the Central African Republic had the lowest at just 50.2 years. Absolute differences in death rates between countries have converged, meeting one of the aims of The Lancet's Commission on Investing in Health. However, with the increased life expectancy, the years lived with ill health or disability have also increased.

These "exemplar" nations may offer insight into which policies are most successful for accelerating health progress, the study authors noted.

Around 19% of deaths were caused by communicable diseases, maternal diseases, neonatal diseases and nutritional diseases (CMNN). Ischaemic heart disease - decreased blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle - was the leading cause of premature mortality in all regions, apart from in low-income countries, where the leading cause was lower respiratory infections. The researchers found the total number of noncommunicable diseases spiked 16 percent from 2006 to 2016, which means there were over 5.5 million more deaths from those conditions in 2016 compared to 2006. The report also revealed that 1.1 billion people suffered from mental health and substance use disorders previous year.

Heart disease and tobacco ranked with conflict and violence as among the world's biggest killers a year ago, while poor diets and mental disorders caused people the greatest ill health, a large global study has found.

Meanwhile, the study also noted that despite a fall in the number of deaths related to self-harm and interpersonal violence, there was a rise in the number of deaths from firearms previous year. Since 2006, the number of deaths from conflict and terrorism has risen significantly, reaching 150500 in 2016 (143% increase since 2006), largely as a result of conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East. Tobacco smoking killed 7.1 million people.

The IHME-led study, involving more than 2,500 researchers in about 130 countries, found that poor diet was associated with almost one in five deaths worldwide previous year.

Diets low in whole grains, fruit, nuts and seeds, fish oils and high in salt were the most common risk factors, contributing to cases of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol.

Because of the strong links between these risks, the researchers explained that the true driver is likely to be diet and BMI, exacerbated by blood glucose levels and high blood pressure.

RELATED NEWS

Browns at Ravens: Highlights, score and recap
Terrance West added one rushing touchdown, but Javorius Allen led the rushing attack with 14 attempts good for 66 yards. His lone scoring toss went to Browns rookie tight end David Njoku from 23-yards out with 4:56 left in the first half. 9/18/2017

Galaxy Note 8 V/S iPhone X: Who Takes The Stage?
This is the most technologically advanced smartphone that Apple has ever made and it completely revolutionizes the iPhone lineup. The phone, according to Bloomberg , will be a foldable one, and will boast of some of the best specs and features. 9/17/2017

Apple is Skipping iPhone 9 and Plans to Release iPhone X
The much awaited anniversary special edition device from Apple was announced recently and it has taken the internet by a storm. Nearly all other phones come bundled with a large charger that can supply enough power to enable fast-charging in the phone. 9/17/2017

IPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus pre-orders now live
If you're eager to try out iOS 11 GM on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, then check out the links below for more details. Nevertheless, you'll still link your Apple Watch to your iPhone , therefore sending it notifications from your phone. 9/17/2017

Snapchat Adds Animated Bitmoji Feature
The Bitmoji World Lenses are rolling out to Android and iOS users so make sure you update your Snapchat app to the latest version. The animated avatar can do some skateboarding tricks, or some yoga in a location of your choice, while you capture the action. 9/17/2017

Bangladesh to build new settlements for Rohingya Muslims
Bangladesh is planning a camp for the new arrivals but Mr Lom said it was unclear how long it would take to build. "If families can't meet their basic needs, the suffering will get even worse and lives could be lost". 9/17/2017

Brathwaite journey worthwhile as West Indies win
Gayle's boundaries included two sixes in as many balls off left-arm paceman David Willey, a pull followed by a straight drive. Brathwaite didn't not feature in the preceding Test series, which England claimed 2-1 after winning the 3rd Test at Lord's. 9/17/2017

Tickets for Brewers-Marlins series go on sale Thursday
It was Shaw's second hit at Miller Park since August 16th, and the seventh time the team has hit back-to-back homers this season. The Brewers went out of their way to make the Marlins feel at home during their weekend series in Milwaukee. 9/17/2017

NOAA: Tropical Storm Maria Projected Path, Spaghetti Models
The hurricane center also says "a tropical storm watch may be needed for a portion of the North Carolina coast tomorrow". They're expected to move up the Mid-Atlantic over the next few days, producing unsafe surf and rip current conditions. 9/17/2017